I was working on a house today (keep in mind this fact...it becomes important later), replacing lattice under a deck, replaced a deck rail and then repainting it all.

I started the job yesterday and ran out of time, so all my tools for the entire project were there, including nailguns, compressor, hoses, cords, job radio, saws, screwguns, chargers, hand tools, painting supplies, etc, all piled inside the rear door and spilling out into the back yard. The debris from demolishing the old lattice and rail were strewn about, the job radio cranking out some Chemical Bros.

I went out to my truck parked in the lake access road to grab a tool, look back at the house and a guy is standing in the doorway. He'd obviously come through the front door, which was locked, so I figured instantly he's either the owner or someone with the real estate company since the house is a rental.

Standing in the middle of my worksite, he says, "I'm from the real estate company. Are you just working on the house?"

Maybe it's just that I'm older now and my tolerance for inane questions has waned, but I couldn't help but think of a list of responses to his question:

"How do I know you're from the real estate company? I'll need to see your real estate agent badge to make sure you're not an imposter."

"No, I'm robbing the place. As soon as this last load of tools is out of here I'm headed to the pawn shop."

"Oh crap! Where am I? Have I randomly performed home improvements on a total stranger's house again?"

"I'm actually a modern day Sherlock Holmes, and created this deductive reasoning scenario as a test to find my Dr. Watson. You just failed."

In the end I let him off the hook and said, "Yeah", but I wonder if I did the world a disservice. I mean, if no one holds him accountable...he'll just keep on asking stupid questions.